SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT (“SCRA”) 50 U.S.C. App. §§501-597b1
[Note: The section numbers shown herein are citations to 50 U.S.C. App. §___. The section numbers from the current Act, as amended, are shown after the section titles in bracketed italics.]
INDEX TO SCRA
(section numbers refer to 50 U.S.C. App. §___)
Sec. 501 Short title; table of contents Sec. 502 Purpose
TITLE I – GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 511 Definitions
Sec. 512 Jurisdiction and applicability of Act Sec. 513 Protection of persons secondarily liable
Sec. 514 Extension of protections to citizens serving with allied forces Sec. 515 Notification of benefits
Sec. 515a Information for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents on rights and protections of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
Sec. 516 Extension of rights and protections to Reserves ordered to report for military service and to persons ordered to report for induction
Sec. 517 Waiver of rights pursuant to written agreement
Sec. 518 Exercise of rights under Act not to affect certain future financial transactions
Sec. 519 Legal representatives
TITLE II – GENERAL RELIEF
Sec. 521 Protection of servicemembers against default judgments Sec. 522 Stay of proceedings when servicemember has notice Sec. 523 Fines and penalties under contracts
Sec. 524 Stay or vacation of execution of judgments, attachments, and garnishments
Sec. 525 Duration and term of stays; codefendants not in service. Sec. 526 Statute of limitations
Sec. 527 Maximum rate of interest on debts incurred before military service 1
Current as of the end of the 111th Congress in 2010. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act was enacted as P.L. 108-189, effective December 19, 2003. It has been amended by P.L. 108-454 (adding 50 U.S.C. §511 (9) and amending §517), P.L. 109-163 (adding §515a), P.L. 110-181 (amending 50 U.S.C. App. §§521 and 522), P.L. 110-289 (amending 50 U.S.C. §§527 and 533), P.L. 109-233 (amending 50 U.S.C. App. §594); P.L. 110-389 (amending §§527 and 535 and adding §535a), P.L. 97 (amending 50 U.S.C. App. §§568, 571), P.L. 111-275 (amending §§535 and 535a, and adding §§597, 597a and 597b), effective October 13, 2010, and S.4508, which amended P.L. 111-289 by extending the “sunset” provision of 50 U.S.C. App. §533(b) to December 31, 2012.
TITLE III – RENT, INSTALLMENT CONTRACTS, MORTGAGES, LIENS, ASSIGNMENT, LEASES
Sec. 531 Evictions and distress
Sec. 532 Protection under installment contracts for purchase or lease Sec. 533 Mortgages and trust deeds
Sec. 534 Settlement of stayed cases relating to personal property Sec. 535 Termination of residential or motor vehicle leases Sec. 535a Termination of telephone service contracts
Sec. 536 Protection of life insurance policy Sec. 537 Enforcement of storage liens
Sec. 538 Extension of protections to dependents
TITLE IV – LIFE INSURANCE
Sec. 541 Definitions
Sec. 542 Insurance rights and protections Sec. 543 Application for insurance protection
Sec. 544 Policies entitled to protection and lapse of policies. Sec. 545 Policy restrictions
Sec. 546 Deduction of unpaid premiums
Sec. 547 Premiums and interest guaranteed by United States. Sec. 548 Regulations
Sec. 549 Review of findings of fact and conclusions of law
TITLE V – TAXES AND PUBLIC LANDS
Sec. 561 Taxes respecting personal property, money, credits, and real property Sec. 562 Rights in public lands
Sec. 563 Desert-land entries Sec. 564 Mining claims
Sec. 565 Mineral permits and leases Sec. 566 Perfection or defense of rights
Sec. 567 Distribution of information concerning benefits of title Sec. 568 Land rights of servicemembers
Sec. 569 Regulations Sec. 570 Income taxes
Sec. 571 Residence for tax purposes
TITLE VI – ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES
Sec. 581 Inappropriate use of Act
Sec. 582 Certificates of service; persons reported missing Sec. 583 Interlocutory orders
TITLE VII – FURTHER RELIEF
Sec. 591 Anticipatory relief Sec. 592 Power of attorney
Sec. 593 Professional liability protection Sec. 594 Health insurance reinstatement
Sec. 595 Guarantee of residency for military personnel and spouses of military personnel
Sec. 596 Business or trade obligations
TITLE VIII – CIVIL LIABILITY
Sec. 597 Enforcement by the Attorney General Sec. 597a Private right of action
§ 501. Short title [Sec. 1]
This Act [50 U.S.C. App. §§ 501 et seq.] may be cited as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
§ 502. Purpose [Sec. 2]
The purposes of this Act are—
(1) to provide for, strengthen, and expedite the national defense through protection extended
by this Act to servicemembers of the United States to enable such persons to devote their entire energy to the defense needs of the Nation; and
(2) to provide for the temporary suspension of judicial and administrative proceedings and
transactions that may adversely affect the civil rights of servicemembers during their military service.
TITLE I -- GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 511. Definitions [Sec. 101]
For the purposes of this Act: (1) Servicemember
The term "servicemember" means a member of the uniformed services, as that term is defined in section 101(a)(5) of title 10, United States Code.
(2) Military service. The term "military service" means—
(A) in the case of a servicemember who is a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard—
(i) active duty, as defined in section 101(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code, and
(ii) in the case of a member of the National Guard, includes service under a call to active service authorized by the
President or the Secretary of Defense for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code, for purposes of responding to a national
emergency declared by the President and supported by Federal funds;
(B) in the case of a servicemember who is a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
(C) any period during which a servicemember is absent from duty on account of sickness, wounds, leave, or other lawful cause.
(3) Period of military service. The term "period of military service" means the period beginning on the date on which a servicemember enters military service and ending on the date on which the servicemember is released from military service or dies while in military service.
(4) Dependent. The term "dependent", with respect to a servicemember, means— (A) the servicemember's spouse;
(B) the servicemember's child (as defined in section 101(4) of title 38, United States Code); or
(C) an individual for whom the servicemember provided more than one-half of the individual's support for 180 days immediately preceding an application for relief under this Act [sections 501 to 596 of this Appendix].
(5) Court. The term "court" means a court or an administrative agency of the United States or of any State (including any political subdivision of a State), whether or not a court or administrative agency of record.
(6) State. The term "State" includes—
(A) a commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States; and (B) the District of Columbia.
(7) Secretary concerned. The term "Secretary concerned"—
(A) with respect to a member of the armed forces, has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code;
(B) with respect to a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, means the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and
(C) with respect to a commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, means the Secretary of Commerce.
(8) Motor vehicle. The term "motor vehicle" has the meaning given that term in
section 30102(a)(6) of title 49, United States Code.
(9) Judgment. The term ‘judgment’ means any judgment, decree, order, or ruling, final or temporary.2
2
§ 512. Jurisdiction and applicability of Act [Sec. 102]
(a) Jurisdiction This Act applies to—
(1) the United States;
(2) each of the States, including the political subdivisions thereof; and (3) all territory subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(b) Applicability to proceedings
This Act applies to any judicial or administrative proceeding commenced in any court or agency in any jurisdiction subject to this Act. This Act does not apply to criminal
proceedings.
(c) Court in which application may be made
When under this Act any application is required to be made to a court in which no
proceeding has already been commenced with respect to the matter, such application may be made to any court which would otherwise have jurisdiction over the matter.
§ 513. Protection of persons secondarily liable [Sec. 103]
(a) Extension of protection when actions stayed, postponed, or suspended. Whenever pursuant to this Act a court stays, postpones, or suspends (1) the enforcement of an obligation or liability, (2) the prosecution of a suit or proceeding, (3) the entry or
enforcement of an order, writ, judgment, or decree, or (4) the performance of any other act, the court may likewise grant such a stay, postponement, or suspension to a surety, guarantor, endorser, accommodation maker, comaker, or other person who is or may be primarily or secondarily subject to the obligation or liability the performance or enforcement of which is stayed, postponed, or suspended.
(b) Vacation or set-aside of judgments. When a judgment or decree is vacated or set aside, in whole or in part, pursuant to this Act, the court may also set aside or vacate, as the case may be, the judgment or decree as to a surety, guarantor, endorser, accommodation maker, comaker, or other person who is or may be primarily or secondarily liable on the contract or liability for the enforcement of the judgment or decree.
(c) Bail bond not to be enforced during period of military service. A court may not enforce a bail bond during the period of military service of the principal on the bond when military service prevents the surety from obtaining the attendance of the principal. The court may discharge the surety and exonerate the bail, in accordance with principles of equity and justice, during or after the period of military service of the principal.
(d) Waiver of rights.
(1) Waivers not precluded. This Act does not prevent a waiver in writing by a surety, guarantor, endorser, accommodation maker, comaker, or other person (whether primarily or secondarily liable on an obligation or liability) of the protections provided under subsections (a) and (b). Any such waiver is effective only if it is executed as an instrument separate from the obligation or liability with respect to which it applies.
(2) Waiver invalidated upon entrance to military service. If a waiver under paragraph (1) is executed by an individual who after the execution of the waiver enters military service, or by a dependent of an individual who after the execution of the waiver enters military service, the waiver is not valid after the beginning of the period of such military service unless the waiver was executed by such individual or dependent during the period specified in section [50 U.S.C. App. §516].
§ 514. Extension of protections to citizens serving with allied forces [Sec. 104]
A citizen of the United States who is serving with the forces of a nation with which the United States is allied in the prosecution of a war or military action is entitled to the relief and protections provided under this Act if that service with the allied force is similar to military service as defined in this Act. The relief and protections provided to such citizen shall terminate on the date of discharge or release from such service.
§ 515. Notification of benefits [Sec. 105]
The Secretary concerned shall ensure that notice of the benefits accorded by this Act is provided in writing to persons in military service and to persons entering military service.
§515a. Information for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents on rights and protections of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act [Sec. 105a]
(a) Outreach to members. The Secretary concerned shall provide to each member of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary pertinent information on the rights and protections available to members and their dependents under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
(b) Time of provision. The information required to be provided under subsection (a) to a member shall be provided at the following times:
(1) During the initial orientation training of the members.
(2) In the case of a member of a reserve component, during the initial
orientation training of the member and when the member is mobilized or otherwise individually called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than one year.
(3) At such other times as the Secretary concerned considers appropriate.
(c) Outreach to dependents. The Secretary concerned may provide to the adult dependents of members under the jurisdiction of the Secretary pertinent information on the rights and protections available to members and their dependents under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
(d) Definitions. In this section, the terms “dependent” and “Secretary concerned” have the meanings given such terms in section 101 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act [50 U.S.C. App. §511].
§ 516. Extension of rights and protections to reserves ordered to report for military service and to persons ordered to report for induction [Sec. 106]
(a) Reserves ordered to report for military service. A member of a reserve component who is ordered to report for military service is entitled to the rights and protections of this title and titles II and III during the period beginning on the date of the member's receipt of the order and ending on the date on which the member reports for military service (or, if the order is revoked before the member so reports, or the date on which the order is revoked).
(b) Persons ordered to report for induction. A person who has been ordered to report for induction under the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 451 et seq.) is entitled to
the rights and protections provided a servicemember under this title and titles II and III during the period beginning on the date of receipt of the order for induction and ending on the date on which the person reports for induction (or, if the order to report for induction is revoked before the date on which the person reports for induction, on the date on which the order is revoked).
§ 517. Waiver of rights pursuant to written agreement [Sec. 107]
(a) In general. A servicemember may waive any of the rights and protections provided by this Act. Any such waiver that applies to an action listed in subsection (b) of this section is effective only if it is in writing and is executed as an instrument separate from the obligation or liability to which it applies. In the case of a waiver that permits an action described in subsection (b), the waiver is effective only if made pursuant to a written agreement of the parties that is executed during or after the servicemember's period of military service. The written agreement shall specify the legal instrument to which the waiver applies and, if the servicemember is not a party to that instrument, the servicemember concerned.
(b) Actions requiring waivers in writing. The requirement in subsection (a) for a written waiver applies to the following:
(1) The modification, termination, or cancellation of— (A) a contract, lease, or bailment; or
(B) an obligation secured by a mortgage, trust, deed, lien, or other security in the nature of a mortgage.
(2) The repossession, retention, foreclosure, sale, forfeiture, or taking possession of property that—
(A) is security for any obligation; or
(B) was purchased or received under a contract, lease, or bailment.
(c) Prominent Display of Certain Contract Rights Waivers. Any waiver in writing of a right or protection provided by this Act that applies to a contract, lease, or similar legal instrument must be in at least 12 point type.
(d) Coverage of periods after orders received. For the purposes of this section—
(1) a person to whom section 106 [50 U.S.C. App. §516] applies shall be considered to be a servicemember; and
(2) the period with respect to such a person specified in subsection (a) or (b), as the case may be, of section 106 [50 U.S.C. App. §516] shall be considered to be a period of military service.
§ 518. Exercise of rights under Act not to affect certain future financial transactions
[Sec. 108]
Application by a servicemember for, or receipt by a servicemember of, a stay, postponement, or suspension pursuant to this Act in the payment of a tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, or other civil obligation or liability of that servicemember shall not itself (without regard to other considerations) provide the basis for any of the following:
(1) A determination by a lender or other person that the servicemember is unable to pay the civil obligation or liability in accordance with its terms.
(2) With respect to a credit transaction between a creditor and the servicemember— (A) a denial or revocation of credit by the creditor;
(B) a change by the creditor in the terms of an existing credit arrangement; or (C) a refusal by the creditor to grant credit to the servicemember in
substantially the amount or on substantially the terms requested.
(3) An adverse report relating to the creditworthiness of the servicemember by or to a person engaged in the practice of assembling or evaluating consumer credit
(4) A refusal by an insurer to insure the servicemember.
(5) An annotation in a servicemember's record by a creditor or a person engaged in the practice of assembling or evaluating consumer credit information, identifying the servicemember as a member of the National Guard or a reserve component.
(6) A change in the terms offered or conditions required for the issuance of insurance.
§ 519. Legal representatives [Sec. 109]
(a) Representative. A legal representative of a servicemember for purposes of this Act is either of the following:
(1) An attorney acting on the behalf of a servicemember. (2) An individual possessing a power of attorney.
(b) Application. Whenever the term "servicemember" is used in this Act, such term shall be treated as including a reference to a legal representative of the servicemember.
TITLE II – GENERAL RELIEF
§ 521. Protection of servicemembers against default judgments [Sec. 201]
(a) Applicability of section. This section applies to any civil action or proceeding, including any child custody proceeding, in which the defendant does not make an appearance.3
(b) Affidavit requirement
(1) Plaintiff to file affidavit. In any action or proceeding covered by this section, the court, before entering judgment for the plaintiff, shall require the plaintiff to file with the court an affidavit—
(A) stating whether or not the defendant is in military service and showing necessary facts to support the affidavit; or
(B) if the plaintiff is unable to determine whether or not the defendant is in military service, stating that the plaintiff is unable to determine whether or not the defendant is in military service.
(2) Appointment of attorney to represent defendant in military service. If in an action covered by this section it appears that the defendant is in military service, the court may not enter a judgment until after the court appoints an attorney to represent the defendant. If an attorney appointed under this section to represent a servicemember cannot locate the servicemember, actions by the attorney in the case shall not waive any defense of the servicemember or otherwise bind the servicemember.
(3) Defendant's military status not ascertained by affidavit. If based upon the
affidavits filed in such an action, the court is unable to determine whether the defendant is in military service, the court, before entering judgment, may require the plaintiff to file a bond in an amount approved by the court. If the defendant is later found to be in military service, the bond shall be available to indemnify the defendant against any loss or damage the defendant may suffer by reason of any judgment for the plaintiff against the defendant, should the judgment be set aside in whole or in part. The bond shall remain in effect until expiration of the time for appeal and setting aside of a judgment under applicable Federal or State law or regulation or under any applicable ordinance of a political subdivision of a State. The court may issue such orders or enter such judgments as the court determines necessary to protect the rights of the defendant under this Act.
(4) Satisfaction of requirement for affidavit. The requirement for an affidavit under paragraph (1) may be satisfied by a statement, declaration, verification, or certificate, in writing, subscribed and certified or declared to be true under penalty of perjury.
(c) Penalty for making or using false affidavit. A person who makes or uses an affidavit permitted under subsection (b) (or a statement, declaration, verification, or certificate as 3
authorized under subsection (b)(4)) knowing it to be false, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
(d) Stay of proceedings. In an action covered by this section in which the defendant is in military service, the court shall grant a stay of proceedings for a minimum period of 90 days under this subsection upon application of counsel, or on the court's own motion, if the court determines
that--(1) there may be a defense to the action and a defense cannot be presented without the presence of the defendant; or
(2) after due diligence, counsel has been unable to contact the defendant or otherwise determine if a meritorious defense exists.
(e) Inapplicability of section 202 procedures. A stay of proceedings under subsection (d) shall not be controlled by procedures or requirements under section 202 [50 U.S.C. App. §522].
(f) Section 202 protection. If a servicemember who is a defendant in an action covered by this section receives actual notice of the action, the servicemember may request a stay of proceeding under section 202 [50 U.S.C. App. §522].
(g) Vacation or setting aside of default judgments.
(1) Authority for court to vacate or set aside judgment. If a default judgment is entered in an action covered by this section against a servicemember during the
servicemember's period of military service (or within 60 days after termination of or release from such military service), the court entering the judgment shall, upon application by or on behalf of the servicemember, reopen the judgment for the purpose of allowing the
servicemember to defend the action if it appears that—
(A) the servicemember was materially affected by reason of that military service in making a defense to the action; and
(B) the servicemember has a meritorious or legal defense to the action or some part of it.
(2) Time for filing application. An application under this subsection must be filed not later than 90 days after the date of the termination of or release from military service.
(h) Protection of bona fide purchaser. If a court vacates, sets aside, or reverses a default judgment against a servicemember and the vacating, setting aside, or reversing is because of a provision of this Act, that action shall not impair a right or title acquired by a bona fide purchaser for value under the default judgment.
§ 522. Stay of proceedings when servicemember has notice [Sec. 202]
any child custody proceeding, in which the plaintiff or defendant at the time of filing an application under this section4
--(1) is in military service or is within 90 days after termination of or release from military service; and
(2) has received notice of the action or proceeding. (b) Stay of proceedings.
(1) Authority for stay. At any stage before final judgment in a civil action or
proceeding in which a servicemember described in subsection (a) is a party, the court may on its own motion and shall, upon application by the servicemember, stay the action for a period of not less than 90 days, if the conditions in paragraph (2) are met.
(2) Conditions for stay. An application for a stay under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A) A letter or other communication setting forth facts stating the manner in which current military duty requirements materially affect the
servicemember's ability to appear and stating a date when the servicemember will be available to appear.
(B) A letter or other communication from the servicemember's commanding officer stating that the servicemember's current military duty prevents
appearance and that military leave is not authorized for the servicemember at the time of the letter.
(c) Application not a waiver of defenses. An application for a stay under this section does not constitute an appearance for jurisdictional purposes and does not constitute a waiver of any substantive or procedural defense (including a defense relating to lack of personal jurisdiction).
(d) Additional stay.
(1) Application. A servicemember who is granted a stay of a civil action or proceeding under subsection (b) may apply for an additional stay based on continuing
material affect of military duty on the servicemember's ability to appear. Such an application may be made by the servicemember at the time of the initial application under subsection (b) or when it appears that the servicemember is unavailable to prosecute or defend the action. The same information required under subsection (b)(2) shall be included in an application under this subsection.
4
The word “plaintiff” was added by P.L. 108-454, effective December 10, 2004. The phrase “including any child custody proceeding” was added by P.L. 110-181, effective January 28, 2008.
(2) Appointment of counsel when additional stay refused. If the court refuses to grant an additional stay of proceedings under paragraph (1), the court shall appoint counsel to represent the servicemember in the action or proceeding.
(e) Coordination with section 201 [50 U.S.C. App. §521]. A servicemember who applies for a stay under this section and is unsuccessful may not seek the protections afforded by section 201 [50 U.S.C. App. §521].
(f) Inapplicability to section 301 [50 U.S.C. App. §531]. The protections of this section do not apply to section 301 [50 U.S.C. App. §531].
§ 523. Fines and penalties under contracts[Sec. 203]
(a) Prohibition of penalties. When an action for compliance with the terms of a contract is stayed pursuant to this Act, a penalty shall not accrue for failure to comply with the terms of the contract during the period of the stay.
(b) Reduction or waiver of fines or penalties. If a servicemember fails to perform an obligation arising under a contract and a penalty is incurred arising from that
nonperformance, a court may reduce or waive the fine or penalty if—
(1) the servicemember was in military service at the time the fine or penalty was incurred; and
(2) the ability of the servicemember to perform the obligation was materially affected by such military service.
§ 524. Stay or vacation of execution of judgments, attachments, and garnishments
[Sec. 204]
(a) Court action upon material affect determination. If a servicemember, in the opinion of the court, is materially affected by reason of military service in complying with a court judgment or order, the court may on its own motion and shall on application by the servicemember—
(1) stay the execution of any judgment or order entered against the servicemember; and
(2) vacate or stay an attachment or garnishment of property, money, or debts in the possession of the servicemember or a third party, whether before or after judgment. (b) Applicability. This section applies to an action or proceeding commenced in a court against a servicemember before or during the period of the servicemember's military service or within 90 days after such service terminates.
§ 525. Duration and term of stays; codefendants not in service [Sec. 205]
(a) Period of stay. A stay of an action, proceeding, attachment, or execution made pursuant to the provisions of this Act by a court may be ordered for the period of military service and 90 days thereafter, or for any part of that period. The court may set the terms and amounts for such installment payments as is considered reasonable by the court.
(b) Codefendants. If the servicemember is a codefendant with others who are not in military service and who are not entitled to the relief and protections provided under this Act, the plaintiff may proceed against those other defendants with the approval of the court.
(c) Inapplicability of section. This section does not apply to sections 202 and 701 [50 U.S.C. App. §§522 and 591].
§ 526. Statute of limitations [Sec. 206]
(a) Tolling of statutes of limitation during military service. The period of a servicemember's military service may not be included in computing any period limited by law, regulation, or order for the bringing of any action or proceeding in a court, or in any board, bureau,
commission, department, or other agency of a State (or political subdivision of a State) or the United States by or against the servicemember or the servicemember's heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns.
(b) Redemption of real property. A period of military service may not be included in
computing any period provided by law for the redemption of real property sold or forfeited to enforce an obligation, tax, or assessment.
(c) Inapplicability to internal revenue laws. This section does not apply to any period of limitation prescribed by or under the internal revenue laws of the United States.
§ 527. Maximum rate of interest on debts incurred before military service
[Sec. 207]
(a) Interest rate limitation.
(1) Limitation to 6 percent. An obligation or liability bearing interest at a rate in excess of 6 percent per year that is incurred by a servicemember, or the servicemember and the servicemember's spouse jointly, before the servicemember enters military service shall not bear interest at a rate in excess of 6 percent –
(A) during the period of military service and one year thereafter, in the case of an obligation or liability consisting of a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage; or
(B) during the period of military service, in the case of any other obligation or liability.5
(2) Forgiveness of interest in excess of 6 percent. Interest at a rate in excess of 6 percent per year that would otherwise be incurred but for the prohibition in paragraph (1) is forgiven.
(3) Prevention of acceleration of principal. The amount of any periodic payment due from a servicemember under the terms of the instrument that created an obligation or liability covered by this section shall be reduced by the amount of the interest forgiven under
paragraph (2) that is allocable to the period for which such payment is made. (b) Implementation of limitation.
(1) Written notice to creditor. In order for an obligation or liability of a servicemember to be subject to the interest rate limitation in subsection (a), the
servicemember shall provide to the creditor written notice and a copy of the military orders calling the servicemember to military service and any orders further extending military service, not later than 180 days after the date of the servicemember's termination or release from military service.
(2) Limitation effective as of date of order to active duty. Upon receipt of written notice and a copy of orders calling a servicemember to military service, the creditor shall treat the debt in accordance with subsection (a), effective as of the date on which the servicemember is called to military service.
(c) Creditor protection. A court may grant a creditor relief from the limitations of this section if, in the opinion of the court, the ability of the servicemember to pay interest upon the obligation or liability at a rate in excess of 6 percent per year is not materially affected by reason of the servicemember's military service.
(d) Definitions.6 In this section:
(1) Interest. The term “interest” includes service charges, renewal charges, fees, or any other charges (except bona fide insurance) with respect to an obligation or liability.
(2) Obligation or liability. The term “obligation or liability” includes an obligation or liability consisting of a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage. (e) Penalty. Whoever knowingly violates subsection (a) shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.7
5
The definition of an obligation as either a mortgage debt or “any other obligation” was an amendment established by §2203 of P.L. 111-289, effective July 30, 2008.
6
The definitions of “interest” and “obligation or liability” were added by §2203 of P.L. 111-289, effective July 30, 2008.
7
TITLE III – RENT, INSTALLMENT CONTRACTS, MORTGAGES, LIENS, ASSIGNMENT, LEASES
§ 531. Evictions and distress [Sec. 301]
(a) Court-ordered eviction.
(1) In general. Except by court order, a landlord (or another person with paramount title) may not—
(A) evict a servicemember, or the dependents of a servicemember, during a period of military service of the servicemember, from premises—
(i) that are occupied or intended to be occupied primarily as a residence; and
(ii) for which the monthly rent does not exceed $2,400, as adjusted under paragraph (2) for years after 2003;8 or
(B) subject such premises to a distress during the period of military service. (2) Housing price inflation adjustment
(A) For calendar years beginning with 2004, the amount in effect under paragraph (1)(A)(ii) shall be increased by the housing price inflation adjustment for the calendar year involved.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph—
(i) The housing price inflation adjustment for any calendar year is the percentage change (if any) by which –
(I) the CPI housing component for November of the preceding calendar year, exceeds
(II) the CPI housing component for November of 1984. (ii) The term "CPI housing component" means the index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor known as the Consumer Price Index, All Urban Consumers, Rent of Primary Residence, U.S. City Average.
(3) Publication of housing price inflation adjustment. The Secretary of Defense shall cause to be published in the Federal Register each year the amount in effect under paragraph 8
(1)(A)(ii) for that year following the housing price inflation adjustment for that year pursuant to paragraph (2). Such publication shall be made for a year not later than 60 days after such adjustment is made for that year.
(b) Stay of execution.
(1) Court authority. Upon an application for eviction or distress with respect to premises covered by this section, the court may on its own motion and shall, if a request is made by or on behalf of a servicemember whose ability to pay the agreed rent is materially affected by military service –
(A) stay the proceedings for a period of 90 days, unless in the opinion of the court, justice and equity require a longer or shorter period of time; or
(B) adjust the obligation under the lease to preserve the interests of all parties. (2) Relief to landlord. If a stay is granted under paragraph (1), the court may grant to the landlord (or other person with paramount title) such relief as equity may require.
(c) Misdemeanor. Except as provided in subsection (a), a person who knowingly takes part in an eviction or distress described in subsection (a), or who knowingly attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
(d) Rent allotment from pay of servicemember. To the extent required by a court order related to property which is the subject of a court action under this section, the Secretary concerned shall make an allotment from the pay of a servicemember to satisfy the terms of such order, except that any such allotment shall be subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned establishing the maximum amount of pay of servicemembers that may be allotted under this subsection.
(e) Limitation of applicability. Section 202 [50 U.S.C. §522] is not applicable to this section.
§ 532. Protection under installment contracts for purchase or lease [Sec. 302]
(a) Protection upon breach of contract.
(1) Protection after entering military service. After a servicemember enters military service, a contract by the servicemember for—
(A) the purchase of real or personal property (including a motor vehicle); or (B) the lease or bailment of such property,
may not be rescinded or terminated for a breach of terms of the contract occurring before or during that person's military service, nor may the property be repossessed for such breach without a court order.
(2) Applicability. This section applies only to a contract for which a deposit or installment has been paid by the servicemember before the servicemember enters military service.
(b) Misdemeanor. A person who knowingly resumes possession of property in violation of subsection (a), or in violation of section 107 of this Act [50 U.S.C. App. §517], or who
knowingly attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
(c) Authority of court. In a hearing based on this section, the court--
(1) may order repayment to the servicemember of all or part of the prior installments or deposits as a condition of terminating the contract and resuming possession of the
property;
(2) may, on its own motion, and shall on application by a servicemember when the servicemember's ability to comply with the contract is materially affected by military service, stay the proceedings for a period of time as, in the opinion of the court, justice and equity require; or
(3) may make other disposition as is equitable to preserve the interests of all parties.
§ 533. Mortgages and trust deeds [Sec. 303]
(a) Mortgage as security. This section applies only to an obligation on real or personal property owned by a servicemember
that--(1) originated before the period of the servicemember's military service and for which the servicemember is still obligated; and
(2) is secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage. (b) Stay of proceedings and adjustment of obligation. In an action filed during, or within 9 months9 after, a servicemember's period of military service to enforce an obligation described in subsection (a), the court may after a hearing and on its own motion and shall upon
application by a servicemember when the servicemember's ability to comply with the obligation is materially affected by military
service--(1) stay the proceedings for a period of time as justice and equity require, or
(2) adjust the obligation to preserve the interests of all parties.
9
The phrase “or within 9 months” in subsections (b) and (c) was added by P.L. 110-289, effective July 30, 2008. The “sunset” of the additional 9 month period of protection was extended to December 31, 2012 by S. 4508, which passed on December 22, 2010.
(c) Sale or foreclosure. A sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property for a breach of an obligation described in subsection (a) shall not be valid if made during, or within 9 months after, the period of the servicemember's military service except—
(1) upon a court order granted before such sale, foreclosure, or seizure with a return made and approved by the court; or
(2) if made pursuant to an agreement as provided in section 107 [50 U.S.C. App. §517].
(d) Misdemeanor. A person who knowingly makes or causes to be made a sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property that is prohibited by subsection (c), or who knowingly attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
§ 534. Settlement of stayed cases relating to personal property [Sec. 304]
(a) Appraisal of property. When a stay is granted pursuant to this Act in a proceeding to foreclose a mortgage on or to repossess personal property, or to rescind or terminate a contract for the purchase of personal property, the court may appoint three disinterested parties to appraise the property.
(b) Equity payment. Based on the appraisal, and if undue hardship to the servicemember's dependents will not result, the court may order that the amount of the servicemember's equity in the property be paid to the servicemember, or the servicemember's dependents, as a
condition of foreclosing the mortgage, repossessing the property, or rescinding or terminating the contract.
§ 535. Termination of residential or motor vehicle leases10 [Sec. 305]
(a) Termination by lessee.
(1) In general. The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee’s option, terminate the lease at any time after –
(a) the lessee’s entry into military service; or
(b) the date of the lessee’s military orders described in paragraph (1)(B) of (2)(B) of subsection (b), as the case may be.
10
50 U.S.C. App. §535 is among the most frequently amended sections in the SCRA. Congress has continued to amend the section as a result of the continuing efforts of landlords and leasing companies to try and defeat the purpose of the section, which is to allow servicemembers to terminate premises and vehicle leases when they are not in a position to utilize the premises or vehicles because of their military service. The principal amendments to this section have been made by P.L. 108-454, effective December 10, 2004, and P.L. 111-275, effective October 13, 2010.
(2) Joint leases. A lessee’s termination of a lease pursuant to this subsection shall terminate any obligation a dependent of the lessee may have under the lease. (b) Covered leases. This section applies to the following leases:
(1) Leases of premises. A lease of premises occupied, or intended to be occupied, by a servicemember or a servicemember's dependents for a residential, professional, business, agricultural, or similar purpose if—
(A) the lease is executed by or on behalf of a person who thereafter and during the term of the lease enters military service; or
(B) the servicemember, while in military service, executes the lease and thereafter receives military orders for a permanent change of station or to deploy with a military unit or as an individual in support of a military operation for a period of not less than 90 days.
(2) Leases of motor vehicles. A lease of a motor vehicle used, or intended to be used, by a servicemember or a servicemember's dependents for personal or business transportation if—
(A) the lease is executed by or on behalf of a person who thereafter and during the term of the lease enters military service under a call or order specifying a period of not less than 180 days (or who enters military service under a call or order
specifying a period of 180 days or less and who, without a break in service, receives orders extending the period of military service to a period of not less than 180 days); or
(B) the servicemember, while in military service, executes the lease and thereafter receives military orders –
(i) for a change of permanent station –
(I) from a location in the continental United States to a location outside the continental United States; or
(II) from a location in a State outside the continental United States to any location outside that State; or
(ii) to deploy with a military unit or as an individual in support of a military operation for a period of not less than 180 days.
(c) Manner of termination.
(A) by delivery by the lessee of written notice of such termination, and a copy of the servicemember's military orders, to the lessor (or the lessor's grantee), or to the lessor's agent (or the agent's grantee); and
(B) in the case of a lease of a motor vehicle, by return of the motor vehicle by the lessee to the lessor (or the lessor's grantee), or to the lessor's agent (or the agent's grantee), not later than 15 days after the date of the delivery of written notice under subparagraph (A).
(2) Delivery of notice. Delivery of notice under paragraph (1)(A) may be accomplished —
(A) by hand delivery;
(B) by private business carrier; or
(C) by placing the written notice in an envelope with sufficient postage and with return receipt requested, and addressed as designated by the lessor (or the lessor's grantee) or to the lessor's agent (or the agent's grantee), and depositing the written notice in the United States mails.
(d) Effective date of lease termination.
(1) Leases of premises. In the case of a lease described in subsection (b)(1) that provides for monthly payment of rent, termination of the lease under subsection (a) is effective 30 days after the first date on which the next rental payment is due and payable after the date on which the notice under subsection (c) is delivered. In the case of any other lease described in subsection (b)(1), termination of the lease under subsection (a) is effective on the last day of the month following the month in which the notice is delivered.
(2) Leases of motor vehicles. In the case of a lease described in subsection (b)(2), termination of the lease under subsection (a) is effective on the day on which the
requirements of subsection (c) are met for such termination. (e) Arrearages and other obligations and liabilities.
(1) Leases of premises. Rent amounts for a lease described in subsection (b)(1) that are unpaid for the period preceding the effective date of the lease termination shall be paid on a prorated bases. The lessor may not impose an early termination charge, but any taxes, summonses, or other obligations and liabilities of the lessee in accordance with the terms of the lease, including reasonable charges to the lessee for excess wear, that are due and unpaid at the time of termination of the lease shall be paid by the lessee..
(2) Leases of motor vehicles. Lease amounts for a lease described in subsection (b)(2) that are unpaid for the period preceding the effective date of the lease termination shall be paid on a prorated basis. The lessor may not impose an early termination charge, but any taxes, summonses, title and registration fees, or other obligations and liabilities of the lessee
in accordance with the terms of the lease, including reasonable charges to the lessee for excess wear or use and mileage, that are due and unpaid at the time of termination of the lease shall be paid by the lessee.
(f) Rent paid in advance. Rents or lease amounts paid in advance for a period after the effective date of the termination of the lease shall be refunded to the lessee by the lessor (or the lessor's assignee or the assignee's agent) within 30 days of the effective date of the termination of the lease.
(g) Relief to lessor. Upon application by the lessor to a court before the termination date provided in the written notice, relief granted by this section to a servicemember may be modified as justice and equity require.
(h) Misdemeanor. Any person who knowingly seizes, holds, or detains the personal effects, security deposit, or other property of a servicemember or a servicemember's dependent who lawfully terminates a lease covered by this section, or who knowingly interferes with the removal of such property from premises covered by such lease, for the purpose of subjecting or attempting to subject any of such property to a claim for rent accruing subsequent to the date of termination of such lease, or attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
(i) Definitions.
(1) Military orders. The term “military orders”, with respect to a servicemember, means official military orders, or any notification, certification, or verification from the servicemember’s commanding officer, with respect to the servicemember’s current or future military duty status.
(2) CONUS. The term ‘continental United States’ means the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia.
§535a. Termination of telephone service contracts11
(a) Terminaiton by servicemember.
(1) Termination. A servicemember may terminate a contract described in subsection (b) at any time after the date the servicemember receives military orders to relocate for a period of not less than 90 days to a location that does not support the contract.
(2) Notice. In the case that a servicemember terminates a contract as described in paragraph (1), the service provider under the contract shall provide such servicemember with written or electronic notice of the servicemember’s rights under such paragraph.
11
This section was initially added by P.L. 110-389. It was substantially amended by P.L. 111-275, effective October 13, 2010.
(3) Manner of termination. Termination of a contract under paragraph (1) shall be made by delivery of a written or electronic notice of such termination and a copy of the servicemember’s military orders to the service provider, delivered in accordance with industry standards for notification of terminations, together with the date on which the service is to be terminated.
(b) Covered contracts. A contract described in this subsection is a contract for cellular telephone service or telephone exchange service entered into by the servicemember before receiving the military orders referred to in subsection (a)(1).
(c) Retention of telephone number. In the case of a contract terminated under subsection (a) by a servicemember whose period of relocation is for a period of three years or less, the service provider under the contract shall, notwithstanding any other provision of law, allow the servicemember to keep the telephone number the servicemember has under the contract if the servicemember re-subscribes to the service during the 90-day period beginning on the last day of such period of relocation.
(d) Family plans. In the case of a contract for cellular telephone service entered into by any individual in which a servicemember is a designated beneficiary of the contract, the
individual who entered into the contract may terminate the contract –
(1) with respect to the servicemember if the servicemember is eligible to terminate contracts pursuant to subsection (a); and
(2) with respect to all of the designated beneficiaries of such contract if all such beneficiaries accompany the servicemember during the servicemember’s period of relocation.
(e) Other obligations and liabilities. For any contract terminated under this section, the service provider under the contract may not impose an early termination charge, but any tax or any other obligation or liability of the servicemember that, in accordance with the terms of the contract, is due and unpaid or unperformed at the time of termination of the contract shall be paid or performed by the servicemember. If the servicemember re-subscribes to the service provided under a covered contract during the 90-day period beginning on the last day of the servicemember’s period of relocation, the service provider may not impose a charge for reinstating service, other than the usual and customary charges for the installation or acquisition of customer equipment imposed on any other subscriber.
(f) Return of advance payments. Not later than 60 days after the effective date of the termination of a contract under this section, the service provider under the contract shall refund to the servicemember any fee or other amount to the extent paid for a period extending until after such date, except for the remainder of the monthly or similar billing period in which the termination occurs.
(1) The term “cellular telephone service” means commercial mobile service, as that term is defined in section 332(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d)).
(2) The term “telephone exchange service” has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153).
§ 536. Protection of life insurance policy [Sec. 306]
(a) Assignment of policy protected. If a life insurance policy on the life of a servicemember is assigned before military service to secure the payment of an obligation, the assignee of the policy (except the insurer in connection with a policy loan) may not exercise, during a period of military service of the servicemember or within one year thereafter, any right or option obtained under the assignment without a court order.
(b) Exception. The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply —
(1) if the assignee has the written consent of the insured made during the period described in subsection (a);
(2) when the premiums on the policy are due and unpaid; or (3) upon the death of the insured.
(c) Order refused because of material affect. A court which receives an application for an order required under subsection (a) may refuse to grant such order if the court determines the ability of the servicemember to comply with the terms of the obligation is materially affected by military service.
(d) Treatment of guaranteed premiums. For purposes of this subsection, premiums guaranteed under the provisions of title IV of this Act shall not be considered due and unpaid.
(e) Misdemeanor. A person who knowingly takes an action contrary to this section, or attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
§ 537. Enforcement of storage liens [Sec. 306]
(a) Liens.
(1) Limitation on foreclosure or enforcement. A person holding a lien on the property or effects of a servicemember may not, during any period of military service of the
servicemember and for 90 days thereafter, foreclose or enforce any lien on such property or effects without a court order granted before foreclosure or enforcement.
(2) Lien defined. For the purposes of paragraph (1), the term "lien" includes a lien for storage, repair, or cleaning of the property or effects of a servicemember or a lien on such property or effects for any other reason.
(b) Stay of proceedings. In a proceeding to foreclose or enforce a lien subject to this section, the court may on its own motion, and shall if requested by a servicemember whose ability to comply with the obligation resulting in the proceeding is materially affected by military service –
(1) stay the proceeding for a period of time as justice and equity require; or (2) adjust the obligation to preserve the interests of all parties.
The provisions of this subsection do not affect the scope of section 303 [50 U.S.C. App. §533].
(c) Misdemeanor. A person who knowingly takes an action contrary to this section, or attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
§ 538. Extension of protections to dependents [Sec. 308]
Upon application to a court, a dependent of a servicemember is entitled to the protections of this title if the dependent's ability to comply with a lease, contract, bailment, or other
obligation is materially affected by reason of the servicemember's military service.
TITLE IV – LIFE INSURANCE
§ 541. Definitions [Sec. 401]
For the purposes of this title [50 U.S.C. App. §§541 - 549]:
(1) Policy. The term "policy" means any individual contract for whole, endowment, universal, or term life insurance (other than group term life insurance coverage), including any benefit in the nature of such insurance arising out of membership in any fraternal or beneficial association which —
(A) provides that the insurer may not —
(i) decrease the amount of coverage or require the payment of an additional amount as premiums if the insured engages in military service (except increases in premiums in individual term insurance based upon age); or
ii) limit or restrict coverage for any activity required by military service; and
(B) is in force not less than 180 days before the date of the insured's entry into military service and at the time of application under this title.
(2) Premium. The term "premium" means the amount specified in an insurance policy to be paid to keep the policy in force.
(3) Insured. The term "insured" means a servicemember whose life is insured under a policy.
(4) Insurer. The term "insurer" includes any firm, corporation, partnership, association, or business that is chartered or authorized to provide insurance and issue contracts or policies by the laws of a State or the United States.
§ 542. Insurance rights and protections [Sec. 402]
(a) Rights and protections. The rights and protections under this title [50 U.S.C. App. §§541 – 549] apply to the insured when—
(1) the insured,
(2) the insured's legal representative, or
(3) the insured's beneficiary in the case of an insured who is outside a State, applies in writing for protection under this title, unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines that the insured's policy is not entitled to protection under this title.
(b) Notification and application. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall notify the Secretary concerned of the procedures to be used to apply for the protections provided under this title. The applicant shall send the original application to the insurer and a copy to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(c) Limitation on amount. The total amount of life insurance coverage protection provided by this title for a servicemember may not exceed $250,000, or an amount equal to the Servicemember's Group Life Insurance maximum limit, whichever is greater, regardless of the number of policies submitted.
§ 543. Application for insurance protection [Sec. 403]
(a) Application procedure. An application for protection under this title [50 U.S.C. App. §§541 – 549] shall —
(1) be in writing and signed by the insured, the insured's legal representative, or the insured's beneficiary, as the case may be;
(3) include an acknowledgement that the insured's rights under the policy are subject to and modified by the provisions of this title.
(b) Additional requirements. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may require additional information from the applicant, the insured and the insurer to determine if the policy is entitled to protection under this title.
(c) Notice to the Secretary by the insurer. Upon receipt of the application of the insured, the insurer shall furnish a report concerning the policy to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as required by regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(d) Policy modification. Upon application for protection under this title [50 U.S.C. App. §§541 – 549], the insured and the insurer shall have constructively agreed to any policy modification necessary to give this title [said sections] full force and effect.
§ 544. Policies entitled to protection and lapse of policies [Sec. 404]
(a) Determination. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall determine whether a policy is entitled to protection under this title [50 U.S.C. App. §§541 – 549] and shall notify the insured and the insurer of that determination.
(b) Lapse protection. A policy that the Secretary determines is entitled to protection under this title shall not lapse or otherwise terminate or be forfeited for the nonpayment of a premium, or interest or indebtedness on a premium, after the date on which the application for protection is received by the Secretary.
(c) Time application. The protection provided by this title applies during the insured's period of military service and for a period of two years thereafter.
§ 545. Policy restrictions [Sec. 405]
(a) Dividends. While a policy is protected under this title [50 U.S.C. App. §§541 – 549], a dividend or other monetary benefit under a policy may not be paid to an insured or used to purchase dividend additions without the approval of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. If such approval is not obtained, the dividends or benefits shall be added to the value of the policy to be used as a credit when final settlement is made with the insurer.
(b) Specific restrictions. While a policy is protected under this title, cash value, loan value, withdrawal of dividend accumulation, unearned premiums, or other value of similar character may not be available to the insured without the approval of the Secretary. The right of the insured to change a beneficiary designation or select an optional settlement for a beneficiary shall not be affected by the provisions of this title.
§ 546. Deduction of unpaid premiums [Sec. 406]
(a) Settlement of proceeds. If a policy matures as a result of a servicemember's death or otherwise during the period of protection of the policy under this title [50 U.S.C. App. §§541 – 549], the insurer in making settlement shall deduct from the insurance proceeds the amount of the unpaid premiums guaranteed under this title, together with interest due at the rate fixed in the policy for policy loans.
(b) Interest rate. If the interest rate is not specifically fixed in the policy, the rate shall be the same as for policy loans in other policies issued by the insurer at the time the insured's policy was issued.
(c) Reporting requirement. The amount deducted under this section, if any, shall be reported by the insurer to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
§ 547. Premiums and interest guaranteed by United States [Sec. 407]
(a) Guarantee of premiums and interest by the United States.
(1) Guarantee. Payment of premiums, and interest on premiums at the rate specified in section 406 [50 U.S.C. App. §546], which become due on a policy under the protection of this title [50 U.S.C. App. §§541 – 549] is guaranteed by the United States. If the amount guaranteed is not paid to the insurer before the period of insurance protection under this title expires, the amount due shall be treated by the insurer as a policy loan on the policy.
(2) Policy termination. If, at the expiration of insurance protection under this title, the cash surrender value of a policy is less than the amount due to pay premiums and interest on premiums on the policy, the policy shall terminate. Upon such termination, the United States shall pay the insurer the difference between the amount due and the cash surrender value. (b) Recovery from insured of amounts paid by the United States.
(1) Debt payable to the United States. The amount paid by the United States to an insurer under this title shall be a debt payable to the United States by the insured on whose policy payment was made.
(2) Collection. Such amount may be collected by the United States, either as an offset from any amount due the insured by the United States or as otherwise authorized by law.
(3) Debt not dischargeable in bankruptcy. Such debt payable to the United States is not dischargeable in bankruptcy proceedings.
(c) Crediting of amounts recovered. Any amounts received by the United States as repayment of debts incurred by an insured under this title shall be credited to the appropriation for the payment of claims under this title [said sections].
§ 548. Regulations [Sec. 408]
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations for the implementation of this title [50 U.S.C. App. §§541 – 549].
§ 549. Review of findings of fact and conclusions of law [Sec. 409]
The findings of fact and conclusions of law made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in administering this title [50 U.S.C. App. §§541 – 549] are subject to review on appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals pursuant to chapter 71 of title 38, United States Code [38 U.S.C. §§7101 et seq.], and to judicial review only as provided in chapter 72 of such title [38 U.S.C. §§7251 et seq..].
TITLE V – TAXES AND PUBLIC LANDS
§ 561. Taxes respecting personal property, money, credits, and real property
[Sec. 501]
(a) Application. This section applies in any case in which a tax or assessment, whether general or special (other than a tax on personal income), falls due and remains unpaid before or during a period of military service with respect to a servicemember's —
(1) personal property (including motor vehicles); or
(2) real property occupied for dwelling, professional, business, or agricultural purposes by a servicemember or the servicemember's dependents or employees—
(A) before the servicemember's entry into military service; and (B) during the time the tax or assessment remains unpaid. (b) Sale of property.
(1) Limitation on sale of property to enforce tax assessment. Property described in subsection (a) may not be sold to enforce the collection of such tax or assessment except by court order and upon the determination by the court that military service does not materially affect the servicemember's ability to pay the unpaid tax or assessment.
(2) Stay of court proceedings. A court may stay a proceeding to enforce the collection of such tax or assessment, or sale of such property, during a period of military service of the servicemember and for a period not more than 180 days after the termination of, or release of the servicemember from, military service.
(c) Redemption. When property described in subsection (a) is sold or forfeited to enforce the collection of a tax or assessment, a servicemember shall have the right to redeem or
commence an action to redeem the servicemember's property during the period of military service or within 180 days after termination of or release from military service. This subsection may not be construed to shorten any period provided by the law of a State (including any political subdivision of a State) for redemption.
(d) Interest on tax or assessment. Whenever a servicemember does not pay a tax or assessment on property described in subsection (a) when due, the amount of the tax or assessment due and unpaid shall bear interest until paid at the rate of 6 percent per year. An additional penalty or interest shall not be incurred by reason of nonpayment. A lien for such unpaid tax or assessment may include interest under this subsection.
(e) Joint ownership application. This section applies to all forms of property described in subsection (a) owned individually by a servicemember or jointly by a servicemember and a dependent or dependents.
§ 562. Rights in public lands [Sec. 502]
(a) Rights not forfeited. The rights of a servicemember to lands owned or controlled by the United States, and initiated or acquired by the servicemember under the laws of the United States (including the mining and mineral leasing laws) before military service, shall not be forfeited or prejudiced as a result of being absent from the land, or by failing to begin or complete any work or improvements to the land, during the period of military service. (b) Temporary suspension of permits or licenses. If a permittee or licensee under the Act of June 28, 1934 (43 U.S.C. §315 et seq.), enters military service, the permittee or licensee may suspend the permit or license for the period of military service and for 180 days after
termination of or release from military service.
(c) Regulations. Regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior shall provide for such suspension of permits and licenses and for the remission, reduction, or refund of grazing fees during the period of such suspension.
§ 563. Desert-land entries [Sec. 503]
(a) Desert-land rights not forfeited. A desert-land entry made or held under the desert-land laws before the entrance of the entryman or the entryman's successor in interest into military service shall not be subject to contest or cancellation –
(1) for failure to expend any required amount per acre per year in improvements upon the claim;
(2) for failure to effect the reclamation of the claim during the period the entryman or the entryman's successor in interest is in the military service, or for 180 days after
termination of or release from military service; or
(3) during any period of hospitalization or rehabilitation due to an injury or disability incurred in the line of duty.
